Ninth Round: Pirates Draft Chad Kuhl

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted RHP Chad Kuhl in the ninth round of the MLB draft. Kuhl is a sinkerball pitcher who throws an average curve and changeup. That’s not a big surprise since we know the Pirates favor sinkerball pitchers. He was rated 365th overall by Baseball America.

Kuhl throws his fastball in the 90-93 MPH range, and mixes in a low 80s curve and an 82-84 MPH changeup. The Delaware pitcher had a 3.75 ERA in 105.2 innings this year, with a 76:31 K/BB ratio. Last year he had a 4.42 ERA in 77.1 innings, with a 64:36 K/BB ratio.

Kuhl is 6′ 3″ and 215 pounds. That combined with the sinker and the low-90s velocity is pretty much a common recipe for Pirates draft picks.

Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.